Not a Sport, but a Symbol of Summer – What Is Koshien?
When summer arrives in Japan, one sporting event captures the nation's heart like no other: Koshien. Despite common belief, Koshien isn't the name of a sport — it’s actually the name of a stadium. But over time, it has come to symbolize something far greater: the pinnacle of Japanese high school baseball.
Every August, the National High School Baseball Championship is held at Hanshin Koshien Stadium in Nishinomiya, Hyogo Prefecture. Usually home to the professional team Hanshin Tigers, the stadium transforms into sacred ground for high school players during this two-week tournament.
First held in 1915, the tournament now stands as one of the most beloved traditions of Japanese summer. While a spring edition of the tournament also exists, the term "Koshien" is almost always used to refer to the summer version, which draws massive crowds, nationwide broadcasts, and deep emotional investment from players and fans alike.
How the Tournament Works: Prestige Through Competition
To reach Koshien, high schools across Japan first compete in regional qualifying tournaments, divided by prefecture. With over 4,000 schools participating nationwide, only one team from each prefecture is usually selected. However, Tokyo and Hokkaido — due to their size — are allowed two representatives each. In commemorative years like the 80th, 90th, or 100th tournaments, additional teams may also be invited.
The Koshien tournament itself lasts about two weeks and follows a single-elimination format. Every match is a must-win battle, and with 47,000 seats filled at every game and TV ratings reaching nearly 20%, it’s no exaggeration to call it a national spectacle.
Interestingly, despite its competitive prestige, Koshien isn’t just an elite showcase. Most players in the tournament are general high school students, not specially scouted talents. This gives the event a more relatable and inspiring tone — for many young boys, playing at Koshien is a once-in-a-lifetime dream.
To date, Chukyo University Senior High School in Aichi Prefecture holds the record for most wins (7), while Osaka Prefecture leads in the number of schools that have won the championship.
School Pride on Display – Cheering Culture & Koshien Traditions
Beyond the games themselves, Koshien’s atmosphere is defined by its vibrant cheering culture. Students, alumni, and family members travel from all over the country to support their teams in person. Perhaps the most iconic aspect of this is the school brass bands, which perform elaborate musical routines throughout the games.
Baseball’s rhythm — alternating offense and defense — provides the perfect breaks for live musical performances, often featuring popular songs, school anthems, or original arrangements. These performances not only lift the spirits of the players but also contribute to Koshien’s unique energy.
After each game, winning teams stay on the field to sing their school song, creating a moment of triumph and pride. Meanwhile, the losing teams kneel down to scoop up the stadium’s dirt, which they take home as a memento of their experience. For many, this handful of soil becomes a cherished symbol of their time at Koshien. Some schools, however, choose not to take the dirt, pledging instead to return again.
A Field of Dreams
Koshien has become a true gateway to professional and international baseball. Many of Japan’s most renowned players — including Yu Darvish, Shohei Ohtani, Masahiro Tanaka, Hideki Matsui, and Ichiro Suzuki — once stood on this very field as high schoolers.
But beyond producing future stars, Koshien remains deeply meaningful because it’s not just a tournament — it’s a dream come true for thousands of young athletes. For those who play there, it’s a memory etched in their hearts forever.
If you ever get the chance to watch Koshien — whether in person or on screen — don’t miss it. The raw emotion, unfiltered passion, and dramatic highs and lows of summer Koshien are unlike anything else in the world of sport. Once you experience it, you might just find yourself hooked.
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